A key part of our vision for reconciliation is the economic inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers bring uniquely Australian experiences and products to our customers while generating wealth, cultural connections and opportunities for local communities.
In FY23, Qantas has achieved a significant milestone, with expenditures of $14.1 million spread across 30 different First Nations businesses. This impressive growth in collaborating with Indigenous businesses underscores our steadfast commitment to supporting this sector. Looking ahead, we have plans to continue this upward trajectory throughout FY24 and beyond.
To improve cash flow and business outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses, during FY23 we implemented a reduction in payment times for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suppliers, which is also available to Australian-based small businesses who meet eligibility requirements.
We're now instilling new principles to increase the procurement of First Nations goods and services, with a significant focus on purchasing carbon offsets from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned or operated projects. Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic development is reflected in our investment in Arnhem Land Fire Abatement (ALFA) projects. ALFA is an entirely Aboriginal-owned, not-for-profit carbon offsetting business created by Aboriginal Traditional Owners in Arnhem Land to support their engagement with the carbon industry.
Qantas is a founding member of Supply Nation, an organisation connecting Australian companies and government with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, and we continue to be a gold sponsor of the flagship annual Supply Nation Connect tradeshow and gala dinner.
We believe that strong relationships with suppliers deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. Qantas was honoured to win the 2023 Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Partnership of the Year award for our partnership with Yaru Water Australia. Yaru Water is Australia’s first Indigenous water company and we partnered with them to bring our First and Business Class customers high-quality and sustainably sourced water from Bundjalung country in Northern NSW.
Watch the videos below to learn more about our partnerships with Yaru Water and Dreamtime Tuka.